SL vs AUS: If You Want To Hit Your First Or Second Ball For Six, Go For It- Steve Smith Said Of His New T20I Role

Steve Smith, Australia’s middle-order batsman, discussed a new role in the T20I squad before their three-match series against Sri Lanka, which begins on Tuesday.

The Sydney-born batsman has taken the role of anchoring in the top order thanks to his outstanding shotmaking and skill against spin bowling. Smith’s place in the batting lineup has been shaken by the arrival of all-rounder Mitchell Marsh at No. 3 and a packed middle order.

Smith told cricket.com.au that he has shed his ‘Mr. Fix-It’ moniker and now has more opportunity to make his innings.

“To be honest, I’m rather pleased that the tag has been removed. The other day, Diva (stand-in coach Michael di Venuto) told me. ‘We’re going to get rid of that tag,’ he explained. Simply go outside and have fun. Go for it if you want to hit your first or second ball for six.”

“Today it’s just a matter of wanting to play openly and believing my skills, which I believe I’ve accomplished well in any format for a long time, rather than being a little more restrained and attempting not to go out, which I don’t believe is the proper approach to play T20 cricket” He Added.

‘Being able to accelerate quickly did not come easy’: Steve Smith

In a batting order that includes pinch-hitters like Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, the former captain faces a difficult challenge on the subcontinent right now.

He admitted that being able to accelerate quickly did not come easy to him, saying:

“You’re not quite as aggressive or free-flowing as you might be like when I’m performing the part that I was chosen to play previously. Then you notice individuals like ‘Maxi’ and ‘Stoin’ following you around, and you feel compelled to turn on the light right away. That’s not how I’d approach the game in general.”

With Australia looking to build a squad for the 2022 T20 World Cup in a bid to retain their title at home, Steve Smith’s performance will be highly scrutinized.

Also Read: SL vs AUS: Sri Lanka’s Predicted Playing XI Against Australia, 1st T20I